In line with a report by Murat Ates of The Athletic, potential trades involving Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and ahead Mark Scheifele have not gained a lot momentum this summer season. Ates goes on to specific his perception that each gamers are more likely to be a part of Winnipeg’s opening night time roster, and there could even be efforts to retain each gamers past the size of their present contracts.
He writes in a latest postbag column:
I am on the level the place I count on each gamers to be in Winnipeg’s opening night time lineup. I might go as far as to say that I would not be shocked if the Jets are nonetheless working onerous to search out methods to maintain them previous this season.
Whereas Ates acknowledges the opportunity of a strong marketplace for Mark Scheifele if the Jets resolve to maneuver him. Noting that he thinks the participant may reap, at the same time as a rent: a first-round choose, a second-round choose and a younger participant within the roster with the highest six upsides, he notes, “For me, that final participant can be the centerpiece of the deal.” He then went on to say that he questioned in regards to the rumors that the Boston Bruins have been watching Scheifele and whether or not Jeremy Swayman (or Linus Ullmark) can be the primary returning participant as a part of the return.
That mentioned, ideally if Scheifele desires to remain, the Jets would like to preserve him.
In the meantime, Ates does not suppose Connor Hellebuyck’s commerce market is that sturdy. Ates explains that it’s harder to search out the industrial worth of Hellebuyck because of the lack of comparable agreements. He factors out that the final time a goalie of Hellebuyck’s caliber was traded, extra groups have been occupied with buying primary goalies. At the moment, the NHL leans extra in direction of a tandem and pays much less per goaltender than ever earlier than, investing extra in a duo. And, bearing in mind that Hellebuyck has no contract past this season, however is alleged to need some huge cash, the choices are restricted. Possibly the Jets can use that to their benefit in the event that they’re prepared to pay Hellebuyck nearer to what he desires on a long-term contract than most different groups.
If Hellebuyck is just not as wanted, regardless of his distinctive qualities and skill within the internet. that works within the Jets’ favor to doubtlessly re-sign him. It isn’t good if all roads result in a commerce. That Hellebuyck has not but been moved is a telltale signal.
The Jets will know much more by the top of the summer season
Because the summer season progresses, the Jets and their administration could proceed to discover potential trades and contract negotiations for these two key gamers. Nonetheless, as issues stand, it appears more and more seemingly that Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele will stick with the Winnipeg Jets, not less than for the beginning of the upcoming season.
The uncertainty surrounding the Hellebuyck market may play a giant function within the group’s decision-making course of, and followers might be desirous to see how the scenario unfolds within the months to return. As for Scheifele, the ball is actually in his courtroom. If he desires to remain, the Jets would like to get that deal executed.
Subsequent: Does arbitration imply the Maple Leafs don’t need Samsonov?